India’s Expanding Space Program

The Indian government has recently taken significant strides in advancing its space program, approving a series of ambitious projects that signal a new era of exploration. With plans for new missions to the Moon and Venus, along with a strong emphasis on collaboration with the private sector, India is poised to enhance its position in the global space arena.

Key Approvals and Missions

• The Union Cabinet approved several critical missions under the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, including four missions aimed at testing technologies for India's first space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station 1, expected to be operational by 2028. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will conduct one uncrewed Gaganyaan flight in addition to two planned missions. This initiative is supported by an additional funding of ?11,170 crore.
• Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): The Cabinet also greenlit the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), with an allocation of ?8,240 crore. This vehicle will be developed in collaboration with private industry to ensure a smooth transition to operational flights once testing is complete. The NGLV is expected to support a variety of future missions, including launching satellites into orbit.
• Upcoming Space Missions
  • Venus Orbiter Mission: Scheduled for launch in March 2028, this mission will cost Rs 1,236 crore and aims to study the planet’s harsh atmosphere and surface conditions.
  • Chandrayaan-4: Planned as a sample-return mission, this project will involve launching components using two LVM-3 rockets. It is designed to gather lunar soil and rock samples and return them to Earth by 2027 at a cost of ?2,104 crore.
  • Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX): A joint effort with Japan, this mission will utilize a new lander distinct from those used in previous Chandrayaan missions, facilitating future crewed lunar explorations.
• Infrastructure Expansion
  • The Space Commission has also approved the development of a third launch pad at Sriharikota, essential for testing and launching the NGLV, reflecting ISRO's commitment to expanding its infrastructure to meet growing demands.
• Enhanced Surveillance and Training
  • The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the Space Based Surveillance (SBS) project, which involves constructing 21 satellites by ISRO and 31 by private companies, totaling ?26,968 crore. This marks a substantial increase from earlier phases of the project.
  • In preparation for international missions, Indian astronaut Sudhanshu Shukla has begun training at SpaceX's headquarters, getting ready for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station.
• Satellite Collaborations (NISAR and Proba-3): India is gearing up for the launch of two important satellites:
  • NISAR: A collaboration with NASA, this Earth-observation satellite recently received its radar antenna in India and is set to launch in early 2025 using a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.
  • Proba-3: From the European Space Agency, this mission will study the Sun's corona and is scheduled for a launch aboard a PSLV-XL vehicle.